Ruth Mertz – Rochester

Ruth Mertz, 94, a lifelong resident of Rochester died January 6, 2016 at Samaritan Bethany where she resided.

Ruth Olive Koebke was born October 14, 1921 in Rochester to Louis and Olive (Pyburn) Koebke. On December 25, 1941 she married Melvin "Baldy" Mertz at St. Francis Catholic Church. Mr. Mertz was a retired police detective who passed away in 1999.

Ruth was a homemaker and also worked as a clerk for the Mary Malone License Bureau. Along with her five sisters, she bowled in a number of national championships. She especially enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.

Two sons survive, Michael  Mertz of Hayden, ID  and Dennis (Kathy) Mertz of Lake Geneva, WI. In addition, six grandchildren survive, Michelle Mertz, Michael (Christine) Mertz, Christopher (Sonja) Mertz, Patrick (Jackie) Mertz, Jim (Julia) Mertz and Brittany (Joe) Seidl. Three great-grandchildren also survive, Ryan, Cameron and Calvin (Oscar ) as well as two brothers, Robert "Bob" (Jean) Koebke of Rochester and Brent (Lois) Kruger of Georgetown, CO.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Baldy and five sisters, Florence (Chuck) Dornack, Evelyn (Truman) Jorgenson, Mina (Eldy) Johnson, Edith (Kenneth) Nelson and Barbara Hayft.

A visitation is scheduled Monday, January 11th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Samaritan Bethany's new bus fund. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.